1/5
Aug. 22 (UPI) — MLB has placed Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco on administrative leave amid investigations into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Franco, who has denied the allegations, does not have a set date for his return.
“Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA [players union], Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation,” announced MLB.
“The administrative leave, effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. We will comment further at the appropriate time.”
Administrative leave placements allow MLB to keep players off the field during the investigative process. The agreement between MLB and the union gives the parties flexibility beyond the seven- and 14-day leave periods stipulated in the league policy.
Last week, the Rays announced that MLB was investigating infielder Wander Franco, and he would be placed on the restricted list after social media posts claimed he was in a relationship with an underage girl.
The team stated that Franco would not participate in their last road trip, which ended Sunday. The attorney general of the Dominican Republic has also opened an investigation into the matter.
Franco was initially held out of the Rays’ 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Aug. 13 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
“We support MLB’s decision to place Wander Franco on administrative leave,” said the Rays in a statement.
“The Tampa Bay Rays are dedicated to upholding high standards of integrity both on and off the field. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans and supporters as this process unfolds. We will have no further statements on this matter until MLB completes its process.”
The All-Star shortstop, who signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in 2021, had a successful season with a batting average of .281, a career-high 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases in 112 games. Prior to his departure from the Rays’ lineup, he played in 40 consecutive games.
The Rays (75-51) currently sit in second place in the American League East, three games behind the first-place Baltimore Orioles (77-47).
They will be hosting the Colorado Rockies at 6:40 p.m. EDT Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
